I have not identified myself until now. I'm Japanese, growing up in the 1960s under JFK. A 1968 liberal (Maoist) turning into a politically inactive cynic. I believe Ron Reagan was a good man. (So was Jimmy Carter.) I made an internet donation to American Red Cross on 9/11 watching TV in my home (it was just after the funeral service for my father, a former Japanese army officer). I supported Bush in the war on Afghanistan; I even felt he was a good president.
Back in 1960s, many Japanese questioned the Vietnam war. So did I, but we thought Americans would not understand us in Asia. I was astounded then when America woke up. I organized a high school peace coalition. Our society, of course, recognized my activities, and when I graduated from college in 1970s I could not find an employer. I then studied in the States and learned to be proud of what I am.
I went to a peace rally for the first time over 34 years in 2003 in Tokyo. I thought it was not America as I knew (know). America is a country of JFK, Martin Luther King and many other men and women who worked to make a better society. The Bush administration represents none of the true value of America; it is a cynical Bolshevik/Stalinist bund of liars.
America inspired me, helped me and supported me. America never betrayed me. And I know America will not betray me.
Excuse me for a lousy diary. Thank you and good luck.